Two Philadelphia Cops Hurt While Trying To Arrest Burglary Suspect

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Two Philadelphia police officers were injured while trying to apprehend a man in the Tioga section of the city.

The partners from the 24th District were called to the 800 block of East Tioga Street to help Bensalem Township police.

Bensalem officers were tracking a man wanted for several burglaries using his cell phone.
Officers from Bensalem and Philadelphia were in plain clothes and unmarked cars, but officials on the scene said their flashing lights were on, and officers announced who they were in an effort to take the man into custody.

That’s when the suspect took off.

“He definitely used the vehicle as a weapon from all of the officers on the scene,” said Chief Inspector Scott Small,“the suspect intentionally struck, with his vehicle, one of the Philadelphia police officers.”

The officer’s partner reached into the driver’s side and then dragged 800 feet- until the suspect’s car hit several parked vehicles and came to a stop.

There was a violent struggle as officers tried to detain the suspect. Police then tased the man.

Officers came to find the 41-year-old from Philadelphia was not only a suspect in several Bensalem burglaries, but also in the Northeast.

Police said he is currently on parole.

“This individual has a reputation for being very violent and he doesn’t hesitate,” said Small, “he doesn’t hesitate to resist arrest and fight with police.”

The suspect suffered minor injuries and was taken to Temple University Hospital. The injured officers were transported to Einstein Medical Center. The officer struck by the car was hit in the knee, and the other officer suffered injuries to both legs, both arms, and his torso.